Q: I am sending you this e-mail to continue my story about backfiring of my S3 Fulvia Coupe. After I made all the checks and the tunings you describe my at your answer , the problem with backfiring is not exist any more . Of course I still have some difficulty to start the engine at the morning but after all I think that this is normal while the carbs waiting the fuel pump to bring the fuel from the tank. Following your advice the only items I didn't touch ,trying to fix the problem , are the two carbs and the problem was the wrong ignition timing and the wrong dwell angle. Now the engine is working very well and the delay in response is only between 2500 to 3000 mps. Do you have any idea about that ?

A: I am pleased to know that the backfiring problem has gone. You now need to tune up the car properly. Although carb problems can induce a slow throttle response at 2,500 revs (jet problems or accelerator pump trouble), other causes are possible: inadequate centrifugal advance of ignition, air leak somewhere, incorrect valve timing, etc. See also my previous comments to you. Your definition of sluggish response also needs clarification: is it associated with misfiring or with engine pinking? These symptoms can suggest various causes.
- Andrea -